Water pollution threatens Cape exports

RAY SMUTS FEARFUL that the Western Cape’s agricultural export economy could come under threat, farmers have turned to the Cape High Court over the badly polluted Berg River from which they have to irrigate their land. The court has been asked to compel the Drakenstein municipality to put a stop to serious pollution by human waste in the river between Paarl and Wellington. Papers before the court assert this polluted water makes it virtually impossible for farmers to comply with health requirements set by European importers, while there exists the danger that overseas markets will for this reason cease imports, thereby causing immeasurable damage to the province’s economy. The fruit export industry is of extreme importance to the Western Cape which delivers around 55% of the country’s agricultural exports. The Western Cape department of agriculture has countered the argument of unacceptably high pollution levels in the Berg River system, saying it is within internationally accepted standards and constantly subject to measuring. The department is, however, intent on seeking a solution.